Ingenue: Deanna Durbin, Judy Garland and the Golden Age of Hollywood

Music • Theatre
Canada • Australian Premiere

Judy is an icon, loved as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. But in the 1930s, "Winnipeg's Sweetheart" Deanna Durbin was a far greater star. A favourite of Roosevelt, Churchill, Anne Frank and even Mussolini, her first kiss made front page news in the New York Times. Ingenue tells the true forgotten tale of a lifelong friendship -- and rivalry -- of two great stars of Old Hollywood. From the creator of 'Piaf and Brel: The Impossible Concert", and "We'll Meet Again: Vera Lynn, the Forces' Sweetheart."

"Ingenue" won best-of-fest awards in Orlando and Victoria, and was awarded a 'Best of Fringe' off-Broadway run at the SoHo Theatre in New York City, 2019.


"An Unforgettable Delight," CBC.
"Gall is Astonishing!" DC Metro Arts. 
★★★★★ Gigcity.

Presented by: Melanie Gall with Emma Knights Productions

Melanie Gall is an internationally-acclaimed vocalist. She holds five opera degrees, and has performed in Africa, South America, Asia and the Caribbean. She has sung Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, and recently performed a Vera Lynn concert for the Jazz series at Royal Albert Hall.

She has won several awards for her work, including the ‘CBC Award for Best Musical’ at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival and sold-out laurels at for three consecutive years at the Edinburgh Fringe. Melanie has recorded several albums, including Sweeter in a Sweater, with songs about knitting from WWII.

Emma Knights Productions was established in 2013 by South Australian musician Emma Knights. Emma creates a world of unique music immersive experiences, providing opportunities for local and international artists.